Vietnam’s coconut industry has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing $1 billion in exports for the first time. This growth has been driven by favorable trade policies, increased market access, and rising global demand. Below is a detailed analysis of the industry’s performance, challenges, and future outlook.

Key Performance Indicators

Metric	Details
Total Coconut Export Value	Exceeded $1 billion for the first time.
Export Growth	Increased by 20%, reaching nearly $1.1 billion.
Fresh Coconut Exports	Jumped 61%, amounting to $390 million.
Coconut Production Area	200,000 hectares dedicated to coconut farming.
Annual Coconut Production	Around 2 million tons, with one-third meeting organic standards.
Global Ranking	Vietnam ranks fifth in global coconut exports.
Top Importer	China, accounting for 25% of Vietnam’s coconut exports.
Fruit & Vegetable Exports	Reached a record $7.2 billion in 2024.

Key Markets for Vietnamese Coconuts

Vietnamese coconuts are widely exported to major global markets, including:

Country	Market Share	Product Demand
China	25%	Fresh coconuts, coconut water
European Union	Growing demand	Organic coconut oil, desiccated coconut
United States	Increasing	Fresh coconuts, coconut-based products
Canada	Expanding	Various coconut derivatives
South Korea	Key destination	Processed coconut products

Challenges & Future Concerns

Despite remarkable growth, the industry faces several challenges:

Challenge	Description
Supply Constraints	Farmers are reluctant to expand farms due to economic and labor concerns.
Global Competition	Competing with major coconut-exporting countries like the Philippines.
Regulatory Approvals	Limited number of approved farming areas for Chinese exports.
Sustainability Concerns	Ensuring long-term sustainability and meeting organic certification needs.

Government Initiatives & Industry Outlook

The Vietnam Coconut Association has urged the government to negotiate with China for increased approval of farming areas, ensuring stable supply and market growth. With rising global demand and supportive trade policies, Vietnam is well-positioned to strengthen its role in the international coconut market.

Vietnam’s coconut sector stands at the cusp of further expansion, but proactive measures will be essential to sustain momentum and address emerging challenges.